Cheddar Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 8 medium to large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cup butter (or 2 (4-ounce) sticks), cut into chunks
• 8 ounces shredded Cheddar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Directions

Boil the potatoes with the bay leaves until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes well and discard the bay leaves. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes by hand, then stir in chunks of butter and shredded Cheddar. Cover and set aside to let cheese melt. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and white pepper, then beat until creamy using an electric beater. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with chopped chives.